Michigan

Coach Jim Schwartz wants Lions to embrace tradition of Thanksgiving Day game

AP File PhotoBrandon Pettigrew had one of his best games for the Lions last week, with 6 catches for 72 yards and a touchdown.DETROIT -- Under normal circumstances, an NFL head coach never would tell his team one game is more important than another.

It's been said a thousand times from a hundred different coaches: every game counts the same, it's just one of 16, and to treat each game with equal significance.

That, however, is not the message that Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz has delivered to his team all week. The 2-8 Lions host the 6-4 Green Bay Packers in the 70th annual Thanksgiving Day game at Ford Field today.

The game has been a holiday tradition in Detroit for generations, but it recently has been under attack. Critics from inside the league and out believe it's time for other teams to take part in a holiday rotation. The Lions have been a bad team for a decade and just aren't a big draw for a national television audience.

"We want the players to understand the significance of this game," Schwartz said. "This isn't just another game; this isn't just one of 16 for us. It's a tradition and something that we need to embrace and uphold.

"It's important they understand the significance of the game and the urgency of it."

LIONS VS. PACKERS

Kickoff: 12:30 p.m.

Where: Ford Field, Detroit

TV: Fox

Radio: WKRK 97.1 FM

Records: Lions 2-8, Packers 6-4

Line: Packers by 11

Summary: The Packers whipped the Lions 26-0 in their first meeting six weeks ago and the game wasn't that close. Green Bay, after taking a two-game tailspin, is back on track with a two-game winning streak and they have to stay hot to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Lions' defense, already thin on talent, is banged up and could be without several starters today, including linebacker Ernie Sims, safety Ko Simpson and defensive end Dewayne White. The Lions are giving up an average of 30 points per game and the last week the Browns, who had scored a total of 29 points in their previous five games combined, rolled up 37 points on Detroit.

Kowalski's pick: Packers 31, Lions 17

Schwartz has stressed the history and legacy of the Thanksgiving Day tradition to his young players and the rookies have taken note.

"He explained the importance of it and that our backs are against the wall to keep the legacy going. It's a national spotlight,'' said running back Aaron Brown, a sixth-round draft pick. "Coach Schwartz broke down the tradition to us the other day and we know it's a big deal to the Lions family. We're trying to take the momentum we built in the last game and push it on to this game.''

It's still uncertain whether rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford (left shoulder) will play in the game, but he wants to become part of the game's history.

"This game has been going on for such a long time and it's a great chance to be on national TV and it shows the nation what we're all about,'' he said. "It's just something you want to keep around -- you want to play on Thanksgiving Day. It's a great opportunity, it's great fun and it's awesome to be able to say that you're a part of two teams that get to do it every year."

"I've watched the Lions on every Thanksgiving since I can remember and watching Barry Sanders hold that turkey leg (as the game's MVP),'' said rookie linebacker Zack Follett, a seventh-round pick. "Not to lie, I've kind of had my fantasies during meetings of what I've got to do to get that turkey leg. I'm excited.

"There's such history. It's been around since 1934 and a lot of history comes with it. The coaches haven't had to coach effort this week.''

"It's not a regular game. I'm really looking forward to it," said rookie defensive tackle Sammie Hill, a fourth-round draft choice. "I think it's going to be fun. Nobody's gotten a chance to watch us and now we can show them."

Receiver Eric Fowler, who is in his second season with the Lions, grew up on the western side of the state and went to Grand Valley State University.

"It means a lot, especially being from Michigan. It's great to be part of it. It'll be magical to come out and execute like we know we can and win this game," Fowler said. "I think the closer we get to the game, you realize there are only four teams playing during the day. It means a lot to this city and this organization. It's really special."

Safety Louis Delmas, a rookie second-round pick, did not grow up in Michigan, but he attended Western Michigan University and got a taste of the Thanksgiving Day tradition.

"Being here every Thanksgiving and watching the game, it's special. This game has been around since 1934 and being part of it, we have to represent the guys who started it way back then,'' Delmas said. "I think it's time for us to buckle down and find out who we are. Everybody's going to have their eyes on us -- it's time to open people's eyes.''